The search is on for business, industry and export specialists who can volunteer as Cairns’ newest business mentors, with registrations closing at the end of October.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the impact of COVID-19 was being felt by small businesses in Cairns and across the state, and that experienced business professionals could help guide them.
“We know that the best thing we can do for small businesses is keep our economy growing, do everything we can to ensure any lockdowns are short and sharp, and keep them open and trading,” Minister Farmer said.
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt said that the strong health response had allowed that to happen.
“Of course we are now on a huge vaccination push so we can open up to interstate travellers,” Mr Pitt said.
“However, we know the impact of COVID-19 is being felt, which is why we’re providing a range of financial support and why we put backing small business at the heart of our $14.5 COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Mr Pitt said.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said often what businesses really need is one on one mentoring, someone who can walk alongside them and help with specific challenges and opportunities.
“That’s where our Mentoring for Growth program comes in. It’s a free program for Queensland small businesses that provides access to a state-wide pool of mentors who are matched to businesses based on their skills and knowledge,” Mr Healy said.
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the government was on the lookout for more of Queensland’s brightest business minds to help small business owners.
“In the last financial year, 95 per cent of mentees said that their business reported a projected increase in either employment, turnover or profitability following their session.
“With more businesses seeking advice as they adapt to new ways of operating, more mentors are needed across the state including from Cairns,” Mr Crawford said.
Mentoring for Growth is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Big Plans for Small Business Strategy and helps small business grow by increasing skills, capability, and identifying opportunities.
Cairns’ Petina Tieman, a volunteer business mentor since 2017 and business owner with more than 25 years’ experience said it was a rewarding program for both mentors and mentees.
“I am constantly hearing feedback from business owners that they need help but don’t know where to go to and they can’t afford to pay hourly rates for specialist advice,” Ms Tieman said.
“This free service, which offers more than 200 mentors each known as specialists within their industry, is a fantastic platform for small businesses.
“What may seem like simple suggestions can make a monumental difference to those business owners who are buried under the stress – we make a genuine difference to so many by simply volunteering our time and expertise.
“My personal mantra is building business and empowering people! Therefore, I find the Mentoring for Growth program is a great way to give back to our community across the state!”
Minister Farmer encouraged other business owners in Cairns to get involved in mentoring.
“I encourage experienced businessmen and women who know what it’s like to start and grow a business, or who have a specific skillset they can share – just like Patina – to contribute to the success of other Cairns businesses and nominate to be a mentor,” Minister Farmer said.
